Nikon 1 AW1 is world's first rugged, waterproof digital mirrorless

Nikon has announced the 1 AW1, the world's first rugged, waterproof mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It has also made AW versions of its 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10mm f/2.8 lenses that are both shock and waterproof. The Nikon 1 AW1 features similar underlying specifications to the J3, featuring a 14MP sensor capable of shooting at up to 15 frames per second with continuous AF (60 fps with focus fixed), but is waterproof to a depth of 15m (49ft) and shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6 ft).

The 1 AW1 includes built-in GPS, altimeter and depth gauge, and its pop-up flash is also waterproof. The camera includes three modes that attempt to optimize underwater photographs. It will cost around $800/£750/€799 with 11-27.5mm lens and $1,000/£950/€1019 with the 10mm f/2.8 added to make a two-lens kit.

CAPTURE THE ACTION AT THE SPEED OF LIFE: THE NIKON 1 AW1 IS THE WORLD’S FIRST WATERPROOF AND SHOCKPROOF INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA

From Tropical Tides to a Whitewater Adventure, the New Nikon 1 AW1 and Two New 1 NIKKOR AW Lenses Help Capture Family Adventures, Even When Traveling Off the Beaten Path

MELVILLE, NY (September 19, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the world’s first waterproof, shockproof interchangeable lens camera1, the Nikon 1 AW1. Also designed to be freezeproof, the durable and versatile AW1thrives in harsh environments while delivering the high-performance features and incredible image quality that thrill-seeking families need to capture every moment and memory. By land or by sea, from the tropics to snowy peaks, this newest addition to the Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System (ACIL) is equipped with outdoor friendly features to capture amazing photos and stunning Full HD video.

To complement the AW1, Nikon also introduced two new waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof lenses, the 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8. Striking the ideal balance between portability and performance, the robust 11-27.5mm lens offers a versatile lens option with a 2.5x zoom range. Additionally, the portable wide-angle 10mm lens offers a fast f/2.8 aperture to help deliver a shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance.

“As the world’s first waterproof and shockproof Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System, the Nikon 1 AW1 offers an exciting new option for the family who seeks both exhilaration and a durable yet versatile camera to complement their active lifestyle,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon 1 AW1 and the new 1 NIKKOR lenses are always ready to capture the action with high speed performance and incredible image quality that users have come to expect from the Nikon 1 System.”

The Nikon 1 AW1: The World’s First Waterproof and Shockproof Interchangeable Lens Camera

Whether the destination is to the beach, the slopes or a mountain pass, the Nikon 1 AW1 is a must-pack accessory for any adventure. Waterproof (down to 49 feet), shockproof (up to 6.6 feet) and freezeproof (down to 14° F), the AW1 can handle the toughest conditions while capturing fast action. Though built to be durable and robust, the camera retains a compact and lightweight body, making it easy to carry on any expedition, above or below sea level.

Additionally, the versatile Nikon 1 AW1 offers the unique feature set that adventurers of all levels can take full advantage of, whether tackling a black diamond slope or an unfamiliar trail. With built-in GPS technology, AW1 users can track their travels while identifying the exact longitude and latitude where an image or video was captured. The AW1 is also equipped with an altimeter, a depth gauge, an electronic compass and a virtual horizon indicator. What’s more, the cameras pop-up flash is waterproof as well, allowing the user to add light to a scene automatically or on command.

Capturing the Perfect Shot: The Performance and Speed of the Nikon 1 AW1

Featuring both a14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 3A image processing engine, the AW1 produces sharp, high-quality images and HD video with great detail and color, even in challenging lighting situations. The Nikon 1 AW1 also sports a wide ISO range (160 to 6400), allowing users to capture sharp photos in a variety of lighting, even while handheld.

Swift performance and rapid response are hallmarks of the Nikon 1 System, and in similar fashion the the AW1 includes Nikon’s superfast and extremely responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system that affords users the ability to capture incredibly fast moving action. To capture even the fastest moving subjects with clarity, the 73-point AF array can lock on to the action in approximately 80 milliseconds2. To help ensure that no moment is missed, the AW1 offers the world’s fastest continuous shooting frame rate (approx. 15 frames-per-second [fps] with AF)3 and continuous shooting at 60 fps when the focus is locked.

Ready for the Next Adventure: The Feature Set of the Nikon 1 AW1

The compact Nikon 1 AW1 strikes the perfect balance between creative and user-friendly features and controls. Similar to the Nikon COOLPIX AW110, the AW1 also includes Action Control, which allows users to control certain functions of the camera simply by swinging it in the air. This feature makes it easier to adjust the camera underwater or when wearing gloves.

When using the Nikon 1 AW1, the Creative Mode menu provides an easy way to utilize full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M) as well as Selective Color, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portrait modes. Additionally, Easy Panorama provides a simple way to capture vast landscapes from a wide perspective of awe-inspiring landscapes.

The Nikon 1 AW1 incorporates Full HD 1080p video capabilities as well as Advanced Movie Mode. In Advanced Movie Mode, users can shoot Full HD video and high-resolution stills simultaneously. Additionally, Slow Motion Movies can capture all the action at either 400 fps or 1200 fps. The AW1 also features Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode, which provides shooters with the option of capturing a quick passing moment with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image.

When Best Moment Capture Mode is selected, camera users have access to Smart Photo Selector or Slow View modes. With Smart Photo Selector, the AW1 can capture up to 20 shots with a simple press of the shutter button, and the camera will select the best shot. Slow View is ideal for extreme action sports; once focus is achieved and the shutter button is pressed halfway down, users capture live action (approx. 1.33 seconds) while the subject is displayed in slow motion on the screen. A slowed-down view is then continuously looped over until the shutter is fully pressed, resulting in an amazing moment that would have been otherwise been missed.

Furthermore, the Nikon 1 AW1 features an intuitive Auto Mode to help users frame the perfect shot with ease. The AW1 also comes equipped with Live Image Control, giving the user access to real time adjustments of Active D-Lighting, Background Softening, Motion Control and Brightness Control, which are displayed on the AW1’s LCD screen prior to capture.

When it’s time for some aquatic action, the Nikon 1 AW1 offers several underwater controls. When in Underwater mode, users can choose from either three options (standard, scuba, close-up), which will automatically adjust the camera’s settings to deliver optimal results based on the type of activity that a user is participating in. Additionally, the Underwater White Balance setting makes adjusting white balance simple, while the Underwater Distortion Control corrects the effects of distortion caused by water.

Share the Adventure: Wirelessly Send Images from the Nikon 1 AW1

For those who want to share their images from their latest expeditions instantly, users will be able to take advantage of the AW1’s Wi-Fi capabilities. Similar to previous Nikon 1 System cameras like the Nikon 1 J3, the Nikon 1 AW1 is fully compatible with Nikon’s optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter4, allowing high-quality images to seamlessly be transferred to compatible smart devices wirelessly. If using the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™5 platform smart devices as well as iPhone® and iPad®6 mobile digital devices, AW1 users will have the ability to remotely take photos with the camera from a smartphone or tablet as well.

Alongside the new Nikon 1 AW1, the waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 provide two versatile lens options for the individual looking for a compact camera system that can keep up with their active lifestyle. When attached to the AW1, these lenses can handle tough conditions while being waterproof (up to 49 feet), shockproof (up to 6.6 feet) and freezeproof(down to 14° F). The compact 11-27.5mm is a lightweight yet durable lens that packs a 2.5x zoom (30-74mm equivalent) and is ideal for capturing landscapes and portraiture during a family’s latest expedition. Portable and ultra-compact, the 10mm provides AW1 shooters with a wide angle of view, useful when capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to close-up action that fills the frame. Not to be outdone, the 10mm has a fast aperture of f/2.8, to capture special moments with incredible clarity and a soft natural background, even in challenging light such as dusk or when underwater.

For further versatility when out of the water, the Nikon 1 AW1 is also fully compatible with the expanding lineup of incredibly sharp 1 NIKKOR lenses, Nikon 1 accessories, as well as a wide range F-Mount NIKKOR lenses when connected to the FT-1 Mount Adapter.

New Nikon 1 Accessories: New Skins Provide More Control and Personal Flair

Demonstrating Nikon’s commitment to the newly introduced waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof products, Nikon also introduced new accessory skins for the Nikon 1 AW1 and the 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. To provide more grip, comfort and control when shooting, the new accessory skins provide extra protection while also adding visibility and personal flair to their Nikon 1 Camera System setup.

For those adventurers looking for the flexibility to swap lenses in environments with extreme temperature and humidity changes, Nikon has developed a new filter attachment, the Filter AW 40.5 NC, to effectively combat the common occurrence of condensation. Nikon has also announced the development of the SB-N10 Underwater Speedlight. The SB-N10 will offer extra illumination when capturing still images underwater or in extreme low-light conditions.

Price and Availability:

The Nikon 1 AW1 will be available as a one-lens kit, with the 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and a two-lens kit with the 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 lenses. The Nikon 1 AW1 kit with the 11-27.5mm will be available in October 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $799.957. The Nikon 1 AW1 two lens kit with the 11-27.5mm and 10mm lenses will be available in October 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.957. To complement consumers' preferences, the Nikon 1 AW1 kits will come in three different colors including black, silver and white. Additionally, the new accessory skins for the AW1, 11-27.5mm lens and 10mm lens will come in a variety of colors including black, khaki and orange. These skins will be available in October 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $36.967. Lastly, the new Filter AW 40.5 NC attachment will be available in Spring 2014, though the suggested retail price (SRP) has not yet been announced.

For more information on these new Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System products as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1 Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013 (according to research conducted by Nikon Corporation).2 Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013 as determined by Nikon performance tests; measured when using the single-point AF mode and the shortest focal length of 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 (according to research conducted by Nikon Corporation).3 Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013 (according to research conducted by Nikon Corporation).4 The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility Application must be installed on the smart device before it can be used with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter connected to the Nikon 1 AW1. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™ or the Apple App Store. For use with Android or iOS mobile devices, please refer to mobile device compatibility and available features at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nikon.wu.wmau&hl=en (Android) or https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/wireless-mobile-adapter-utility/id554157010 (iOS).5 Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc. 6 iPhone, iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.7 SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon is claiming this as the FIRST mirrorless waterproof ILC camera. Maybe so, but where does that put the OMD EM5 which is somewhat waterproof and out first, or it that EM5 is just weatherproof with 12-50mm. Was it not first?

Can you submerge a Nikon 1 AW1 into water without damage but not a OMD EM5 as the EM5 is not totally waterproof, just weatherproof. Who can clear up who was first and if EM5 is waterproof or not totally?

This Nikon is waterproof, which means, assuming all the seals are correctly seated, you can use it snorkeling underwater.

The Olympus on the other hand is weather-sealed a completely different characteristic. It would be a really bad idea to try using the new Olympus mirrorless camera while snorkeling, but buy one and try.

Weather sealing is a not a new feature for cameras that are going to be used primarily on land.

Right you can submerge the Nikon, with the waterproof lenses of course, and no you dare not ever submerge the Olympus..

It would have been better if the AW1 is a "rebadge" V1 with a viewfinder.

I long for a waterproof rugged camera with a bigger sensor, that doesn’t use housing. P&S waterproof camera are ok (I had TS1, AW100 and used some of the other brands) but they are far from good.

A V1 rebadged as the AW1 would have been better IMHO. It will be like the “Jack of All Trades” of 1” sensor cameras. Just imagine the capabilities of the V1 as it is. A small, lightweight camera, with very fast and accurate focusing, rugged, waterproof, dustproof, freeze proof, shockproof camera will be a joy for outdoorsmen and women alike.

The AW1 with the 10/2.8 and 11-27.5/3.5-5.6 is a good start for Nikon’s new addition to the Series 1 System. I would like to see a higher end version of this, the likes of the V1/V2 and maybe V3? underwater camera with viewfinder will be almost perfect. Add the underwater equivalent of the 10-100VR and we have a winner in a whole new category of rugged weatherproof cameras.

I understand that viewfinder is pretty much useless under, that's what the LCD is for. BUT, how much time is spent above water? That's when the viewfinder comes into play. Like on the beach, on deck of a boat, around the pool, in the desert, snow and other other out door places where the sun is bright and renders LCD pretty much unviewable. Just because it says underwater" that doesn't mean it can't be use above water. That's what make camera like this very appealing to outdoors people..divers, snorklers, hikers, kayakers, swimmers and many others. MOst that but buy the "P&S Weatherproof" cameras is because they want they want a camera that can handle the bumps, drops, water splash, mud, etc. and not worry about damaging the camera. With the AW1, now were getting to bigger sensor, better IQ. Only the price will keep people from upgrading.

Yes. I hope Nikon Marketing will do a descent job marketing this NEW product. I own a couple of V1 and waiting for the V3. But this RUGGED, UNDERWATER, SHOCKPROOF Series 1 is very appealing to me. I will wait for the reviews and user experience before I will jump into the bandwagon. I just hope that when they update or upgrade this next year that the new model will have a EVF. Nikon can "re-badge" the V1 and I will get it. A newer V3 AW Version will be even better. I would also like an underwater version or at least weather sealed version of the 10-100VR The AW kit lens are good enough at the monent.

1 Oldman:You are so right about the VF and the 10-100 lens. The former was available on the Nikonos; the latter exists in non-waterproof form. Shouldn't be too hard to implement. I had actually pre-ordered the AW1 but cancelled due to lack of VF and decent zoom. Hard to understand why Nikon would launch a product with such major built-in limitations. And yet it has a popup flash.

Since it won't go deep enough for serious divers, it will be used in the shallows and above the surface (in or out of the water) and on shore. A VF in bright beach/sea environments is a must. Maybe next year...

Good work Nikon! You have a market for this product which I suspect is bigger than the cynics quack about. Re the numerous "Buy another camera with a housing instead ( for more cost and less convenience)", can we PLEASE hear feedback from those who actually practice UW photography as the ignorant are the ignorant and therefore are tp be taken with BOULDER or salt.

Sure, there are many stupid people out there.For those smarter, there is $300 Olympus TG-1/2, where smaller sensor loses 1.2 stops in noise but lens wins 1.7 stops vs $800 AW-1 +11-27 kit, the lens is both usefully wider and longer, the camera is actually pocketable with non-extending lens and has longer battery life and stabilization and provides correct underwater balance (see DPR review) unlike a competing Nikon.

HowaboutRAW:You are too kind to the TG2. The image quality is very poor and the AF is erratic. Also almost no manual control. Various Lumix cameras have proven that good imaging is possible with a small sensor. For some reason, Oly decided not to go there. I had one and liked everything except the aforementioned points, which were bad enough to cause me to send it back. So now we have "tough" cams with lousy IQ and (almost) no manual control, vs. an expensive cam with no VF and inadequate zoom. Sigh...

Um just to be clear there's no view finder on the Olympus TG2. And VFs are going to be difficult to use with a mask underwater anyhow on a future variation of this Nikon system. (I get it, a VF helps standing in the surf on a bright day at the beach--so something for Nikon to include in future versions once this system starts selling.)

Then: "inadeguate", zoom not really. This more zoom thing gets cameras into trouble, see the Sony RX100.

I don't know why Olympus didn't push for higher image quality with the TG2--the IQ of the XZ10 is excellent through ISO 2000.

It's like some stupid marketing survey has convinced Olympus et at that these tough cameras will only ever be used by those people who'd only ever take pictures with a cell phone. Well, at least Nikon has decided to try a reasonable approach to tough cameras.

The "color correction" is just some added reds, which can be had in "underwater modes". There is no practical use for it.Human eye depends upon the sunllight, and it filters through the water losing the warm part of the spectrum in accordance with the depth (thickness of the water layer).So after just 1 meter, the red is gone. The orange will be lost at 8 meters, the whole warm end of the spectrum goes around 15, and your only colors are blue-green. This will change in favor of blue to -50 meters, and after that you will see only various shades of blue. In -80 meters, there is only dark blue and black to discern from.So in order to bring back color, one has to use the additional light, (a strobe or reflector), and to very humble distances.The so-called "blue barrier" limits the strobe usability, whatever the strobe strength. If the light has to travel (to the object and back) further than 5 meters through the water layer, it will be ineffective.Better to correct that later in PP.

hc44:Regarding the exposed glass: Nikon will offer a filter but it won't be available at launch. The filter is designed to address an even more serious issue: condensation. They claim that it should stop condensation inside the lens, which of course would be ruinous. But the timing of this essential accessory is beyond bad--they said January. So buy the cam in October, wreck the lens by November, or wait until January for the part you should have had available in the first place.

But do you know anyone else who has a 1" sensor, super fast and accurate auto focus (15 continuous, 60 fixed), more than decent IQ, plenty decent ISO, completely quiet shutter, focus tracking, an adapter that can use just about every F-mount lens ever made, can be dropped from 2m, go down to 15mm under water, built in GPS and compass, and possibly a whole bunch more?

Gee no other manufacturer is shipping a waterproof tough camera that shoots raw, let alone takes different lenses and has a significantly bigger sensor than all compact cameras, with the exception of the sensor in the not waterproof Sony RX100.

And DSLR cases frequently start selling at about $1000.

Many times people are in the rain and want to take photos or on a say a small sail boat being tossed about by the wind and waves. This isn't exclusively for underwater use.

It's a very smart move by Nikon, and Olympus, Panasonic, Canon, Fuji, and Samsung are dumb for not trying it first, especially Panasonic and Olympus. And Pentax could have tried out something too.

This IS rethinking. Gearheads: This is obviously NOT for you. Like the above comment, it is an excellent response to a market gap. There are SHIZTLOADS of rich, or even just well off yuppie families who buy DSLR as toys who have extreme sports as a weekly or monthly past time; Skiing, Diving, Kiyak/Boating/Rafting. This camera is a win and will sell to that demographic, ESPECIALLY if the competition continues to simply offer compacts as a sole offering. Who wants to bet a nikonos adapter will be along soon - official or otherwise.

Cool camera for sure. However... 5.6 for underwater? Can't imagine those shots will turn out well. The 10mm lens however sounds promising. Could be a great camera... I'd certainly buy one if the images look clean.

You can already find samples from this sensor and whatever 1 series lens you'd like to test, those are known quantities. And the sensor is excellent in lowlight.

That's F5.6 when fully zoomed and 3.5 wide.

There's a good 32mm F1.2 lens. Not waterproofed yet.

Then of course shooting underwater adds a bit of length to a lens' focal length. I think the standard 35mm lens on the Nikonos was turned into something like a 50mm when underwater, or was it 24 became 35?

this is very useful for land use, too, for in a hurricane/typhoon the rain hit the camera/lens very hard in high speed which will fail normal weather sealed equipment. should also be good for sandstorms and may find its way to helmet of some GIs.

Nikonos is small and light. Underwater housings are bulky and heavy and I'd rather complete an assignment as light as possible. In water they are featherlight but no when you are carrying it on the ground...oh well.

I don't know how it's going to stand from the marketing point of view and I don't give a monkey's about diving, but I could certainly use one of these for cycling. Light, decent IQ, waterproof, reasonably crash-proof, interchangeable lenses - what's not to like? I already use my J1 + lenses for cycling but once it rains it's into the plastic bags and that's that. With this new offering I could take 50% more pictures (yes, I'm in Europe).

I don't know about the post below me but I think this is an overdue and excellent idea for mirrorless cameras- heck, for any type of camera. Nobody has made a real waterproof enthusiast camera to date.

I didn't see a button that could be programmed for AEL lock though. I'll read up on it before making a final initial opinion on it. Have to have an AEL lock button.

Either way, excellent idea Nikon, good for you to bring something like this to the market and actually put the first body out for the 1 system that garners any of my interest what so ever.

Olympus has a line of waterproof cases for their mirrorless bodies. You can probably get both a case and a camera for less money than this Nikon, which is not usable for SCUBA diving.Olympus cases are rated at least 40m.

Again, a case is not a camera. I'd never dive below 49' personally but I'd be happy to use something like this while surfing or swimming in the pool with my daughter, .... many more ideas. I don't want to put a camera in a case to shoot with it personally. I'm sure Nikon knows that there's a market for this.

I can get a case (cheaper, and likely better, a bag with optical window) and use my extra Samsung NX100 underwater today, but I'm not jumping at the possibility. That's even though most Samsung NX lenses are optically better than these Nikon 1 lenses. And the Samsung sensor beats the Nikon's for things like DR--can come close to the high ISO performance of the Nikon too.

This is too funny. Nikon 1 is a dead end so how can we squeeze the last bit from it? Let's ruggedize it.. any try to compete on the established action cam market. Oh, by the way .. the other 1-lenses won't fit. LOL

What's good about all this? It givesw Nikon a way to retire the 1 series on land without loosing face, and finally give us a 1 inch product.

Which "action-cams" shoot raw? Which ones take interchangeable lenses, which have a "1inch" sensor?

Except that Nikon was too slow to release fast lenses for the regular Nikon1 cameras, it's a plenty good system. And specifically Nikon/Aptina didn't get into the stupid megapixel race to noise.

Your comment reads about like those who claimed in say 1998 that Apple didn't make serious computers.

Should Nikon have done a mirrorless APSC system instead like Canon, Fuji, Samsung and Sony, perhaps but this is a good system. Quiet, small cameras with good (not excellent) lenses that focus quickly and sensors that really can be used through the top ISO--that's shooting raw.

And neither Fuji nor Samsung do particularly good video with their APSC mirrorless cameras--don't know about Canon. Yes Sony does, as will this Nikon 1WP.

The $800 kit with 11-27.5 can be easily replaced by $300 Oly TG-2 or Pentax WG-3 GPS (f/2 at the short end compensates for smaller sensor in low light). But the cameras also have image stabilization and significantly more compact (can be actually put into a pocket of your swimming trunks) and their zoom ranges are wider. With add-on lenses for TG-2 and its close-focusing capability, it is so much more capable than this Nikon it is not even funny.

TG-2 has a 28 mm2 sensor, Nikon 1 has 116 mm2, i.e. 4x larger. This alone makes up for the slower kit zoom (1,6 EV).Plus there is the prime with f2,8.And it has an advantage every ILC has: you can switch lenses and when not in water, you can put on a 32mm f1,2 lens and compete with APS-C.

This and the other things of being more compact, with more zoom range, better macro capability... could be said of Canon G16, Oly's XZ, Pana's LX, Nikon P7x00... against a lot of mirrorless. Only the price is similar.

"It may have similar low light ability, but If you've read any of the reviews of the TG-2, you'll know that the image quality is just awful and won't even be remotely comparable to this."

Roll back ISO 2 stops as the lens allows you and you will see differently. Some tests were done at the long end of the zoom with small aperture where diffraction plays too much, nobody would use it underwater, but 25mm-equal is very useful (which AW1 does not get even with 10mm/2.8). See also the numbers above.

"And it has an advantage every ILC has: you can switch lenses and when not in water, you can put on a 32mm f1,2 lens and compete with APS-C."

You would be an idiot to buy the $900 lens which can be replaced by smaller and lighter $350 lens for m43 (45/1.8) or $300 for NEX (50/1.8 OSS) on similarly priced and sized bodies and have stabilization.Transmissive losses on f/1.2 (on this non-BSI sensor) are not going to be fun either.

I know DxO but also I have that 12 MP BSI sensor on my Canon SX220 shooting RAW using CHDK, and a pair of V1, and if the 14 MP 1" performs as the 10 MP one I can tell that 1+1/2 EV isn't enough. Even with DxO results it's easy to see, for example: DR is about 1+1/2 EV better since ISO 400 upwards.

How many of the cameras that you posit as alternatives are waterproof sans case and can easily shoot at ISO3200?

Answer: None have either feature. All need cases and struggle over ISO1600, and some struggle at ISO1250.

The problem with quoting DXO sensor scores is, yet again, DXO takes no account of the lens used or the camera's computer processing the raw data.

DXO sensor scores are nearly useless.

Since when did DPReview start sharing Canon raws from jpeg only Canons that had been modified with CHDK? I ask because the link to "actual" images is a DPReview link. And when comparing raw capable cameras raw samples are all that matters.

The fact remains that this Nikon/Aptina sensor can shoot at ISO6400, while none of the cameras you cite can do so with anything like decent IQ.

HowaboutRAW, I think you misundertood one of my comments or perhaps I wasn't clear when writing (english isn't my native language). Basically I appreciate this AW1 and see some real bonus against other alternatives.

If it is because of the "Canon G16, Oly's XZ, Pana's LX, Nikon P7x00... against a lot of mirrorless." text, I was arguing that some attributes of compacts are valid against A LOT of mirrorless, and not only this AW1, so this Nikons is not worse than them regarding those areas.

I'll add that when I look at my Panasonic LX5, with the filter tube in place, I see a box with an internal zoom lens that could be built as waterproof.

I'm saying that it would be nice if some of the camera companies dropped the idea that waterproof tough cameras need to be built into small, thin, boxes. But clearly this is all a different story than this Nikon 1 tough system.

Looks like Nikon is trying to find a niche in the market that hasn't been filled by anyone else. Extra rugged large-sensor interchangeable lens cameras would definitely be better than the rugged compacts already available.

Why can't Nikon introduce a new 1 series camera utilizing Sony's 20 MP 1" Exmor R sensor...?! Or could it possibly be that Sony simply won't license the rights to that sensor to Nikon at the present time...?!

Aptina's sensor is much faster (1/80s full-sensor readout, allowing them not to have mechanical shutters in this and other 1 cameras except V-series), having integrated PDAF and about the same in image quality. Why would they give money to their competitor for inferior product?

The lenses are in a ruggedised housing and feature a revised, much more solid mount (which is why they won't fit on existing 1 system cameras). I went to a UK press event yesterday where journalists were merrily throwing the camera around, dropping it onto a hard floor, and throwing it into a water tank. The various camera on display all survived this abuse apparently unscathed.

Yes the AW1 will be very good for caving as well as diving thanks to its excellent low light capabilities. Good to see a someone posting who has some idea of the Nikon 1's great features for action sports.

Interesting camera. I'm down on record (in the comments pages of the rugged camera reviews) as saying that someone needed to make one with a larger sensor. And here it is.....

I was hoping for APSC, but this is still a major improvement. I like it - it'll be a great camera for my beachy and adventurous kids. Good for sailing and kayaking too. A real test will be the performance of the zoom - it needs to be good to attract serious users who like outdoor photography and don't want crappy compact IQ.

I think Nikon really need to release a couple of extra lenses, but perhaps that will come if the camera is successful. It's disappointing that the wide prime isn't wider. In fact I can't see the point of offering a 28mm (35mm equiv) and a 30mm-74mm zoom (35mm equiv). And it's only half a stop faster. The system needs a decent wide, maybe a 20mm or 24mm (35mm equiv) especially for underwater use, and a tele-photo zoom.

This is bound to be a niche product. A good niche product, for sure, but this isn't going to be a "regular camera" for many people when they could get the same thing for $300-400 less without the waterproofing.

"bond to be a niche product" Are you serious? Cavers, climbers, hill walkers, mountain bikers, sailors, surfers, wind surfers, companies that work in difficult conditions, divers, beach-goers, hang glider pilots and orienteers to mention a few examples, are going to love this. A waterproof camera that does 60fps is going to sell faster than Nikon can make them, especially at this reasonable price.

Groucher, I like this camera, we'll see though if it sells faster than nikon can make them. Remember that small size is very important for many on your list (compacts, and they have many WP ones out there).

OK put the 12-50 or 60mm on and jump in the pool and swim a few meters under water. If you don't have a pool put it in the bath tub for a few minutes. I am an Olympus user and they have great weather and splash sealing but waterproof as in full immersion I think not.

Outstanding development and direction, because there is absolutely no buzz regarding the concept of an APS-C mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, particularly one that might take.....existing DX lenses. Just saying.

Actually Nikon need to made versions of both the 18.5 and 32mm as well, underwater, when light is naturally less intense, the cam need the speed. And it need a lens that's wider than 10mm. Underwater, with a different transmission media ( water instead of air ) the coverage of all lens narrows.

This is interesting development for the 1 system. And the outdoor tough cam market is actually a pretty big one. But all we have is either action cam like Go PRO or petite sensor like Nikon's own Coolpix AW series. Or else it would be full blown system type DSLR / Mirrorless with underwater housing. This 1 AW certainly made a very viable alternative.

I'd better like an underwater version of the 6.7-13, even if it was a fixed 6.7/3.5. At least compacts cover normal zoom range, but for UWA this AW could be an easy and (relatively) inexpensive solution.

Wow, interesting concept... maybe great for divers at the pricepoint... But a big lens like that, and good light... Well the current rugged point and shoots may have it trumped... I mean in the harshest conditions who wants to change lenses... Just saying.

If this is Nikon's plan for developing the system, I'll take it they're throwing in the towel in the ML market. It's a soft landing if you will, for us V1 owners-- technically they're not discontinuing the system, but then again they're going so niche that they may as well.

Oh Nikon. You mention "auto mode" as a feature and then say $999.00 with lens. Contour just folded shop cause they couldn't compete with GoPro. If the fire sale on 1's recently is any indication on what people are willing to pay.......

Find me an UW camera that shoots RAW with IL under several thousand dollars. UW housings are often more expensive than the cameras they hold. I'm pretty impressed that you can get this kit for $1000 and then are ready to take in UW as is. Also street price might drop a bit. Those current junk P&S UW cameras cost $300-400 and can't even produce good IQ out of water.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, that's what "IL" means. I was trying to figure out what IL was. Never seen that in acronym form other than with a C on the end, as in ILC. Thought the guy couldn't get a camera in Illinois. :)Nope, no interchangeable lenses, but I'd bet money the lens it has along with the sensor will beat this AW lens and 1" sensor. thx didn't mention anything about needing certain AF performance nor anything about 1080p60. I'm not sure what the fascination with 60p is with everybody. I'm sure there are uses for it, but it's only necessary if it is actually necessary. Some people don't really like the look of such a high frame rate. Different strokes and all that. Other than the IL thing, the G1 X and housing together are well under several thousand dollars. Thought maybe having a better sensor than the Nikon 1" along with having a very good lens might matter. No? I don't care either way.

Then 30p with a CMOS sensor can be jumpy, not so much with a regular CCD though, that's why people are interested in 60p.

This Nikon/Aptina sensor is excellent in lowlight, they didn't go for pixel cramming. Sans extensive raw samples, I won't say the Nikon's sensor outdoes the Canon's but it's possible.

The fact remains that the Canon has a notoriously bad AF. And this Nikon system has excellent AF.

I've never seen any claims that the Canon GX1 has an excellent lens, not saying the claims don't exist. But Canon generally doesn't have a great optical reputation. If you were making claims about the lenses on Olympus, Samsung or Fuji cameras I'd believe the claims.

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